Can Molly Live With Yellow Tang?
❌Not Compatible
Cannot coexist — Molly is freshwater, Yellow Tang is saltwater.
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Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Molly | Yellow Tang | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–82°F | 75–82°F | 75–82°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 7–8.5 | 8.1–8.4 | 8.1–8.4 ✓ |
| Temperament | peaceful | semi-aggressive | Monitor ⚠ |
| Max Size | 4.5" | 8" | Similar ✓ |
| Min Tank Size | 20 gal | 75 gal | 75 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Omnivore | Herbivore | — |
| Care Level | beginner | intermediate | — |
Species Profiles
Molly
Poecilia sphenops
beginnerpeaceful20+ gal
Mollies are versatile livebearers that come in many varieties including black, dalmatian, balloon, and sailfin. They prefer hard, alkaline water and can even tolerate brackish conditions. They are active, personable fish that breed easily.
Full care guide →Yellow Tang
Zebrasoma flavescens
intermediatesemi-aggressive75+ gal
The yellow tang is the most iconic reef tank fish — a solid lemon-yellow disc that constantly grazes algae across the rock work. They are active, hardy, and excellent algae controllers for reef tanks. However, they need large tanks (75+ gallons minimum), can be aggressive toward similar-shaped fish, and have become significantly more expensive following collection bans in Hawaii.
Full care guide →Other Compatible Tank Mates
For Molly:
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